‘Shameless:’ Father certainly doesn’t know best

The patriarch of Showtime’s “Shameless” is an unrepentant boozehound whose crackpot, get-rich-quick schemes and numerous attempts to bilk people out of their money never pan out, even as he’s vigorously panhandling his way through the South side of Chicago.

Indeed, even in the opening credits of “Shameless,” which is based on a long-running British series of the same name, he’s seen passed out in front of the toilet as each of his six children come and go.

To quote Homer J. Simpson, another irresponsible television patriarch, Frank (William H. Macy) would rather drink a beer than win Father of the Year.

Frank’s irresponsibility is never more on display in the opening episode of Season 2. After a self-righteous, hypocritical rant on how former friend Eddie Jackson (who killed himself in Season 1) had no sense of responsibility for leaving his family to fend for itself, Frank promptly bets a bar patron $10,000 that the fellow – a menacing-looking man – can’t withstand a Tasering.

The man withstands the Tasering. And, of course, Frank can’t pay the man. As collateral, Frank is forced to give the man his toddler son, Liam, 2.

Here’s where “Shameless” separates itself from other family-oriented dramedys.

For all their dysfunction, poverty and Frank’s alcohol-fueled misadventures, for better or worse, this is a brood that sticks together.

Fiona (Emmy Rossum) is the oldest sister who works at a nightclub and as a hostel maid who tries keeps the brood in line, despite constantly dealing with Frank’s fallout. Oldest son Phillip “Lip” (Jeremy Allen White) possesses a near-genius IQ but exhibits no real drive or ambition. Ian (Cameron Monaghan) works at a convenience store and is determined to get into West Point while coming to terms with his homosexuality. Younger siblings Debbie (Emma Kenney) and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) run an illegal day care out of the home to bring in some cash.

The kids spearhead a raid of sorts, led by Fiona (Emmy Rossum). Brushing aside the man, who shoved a shotgun in their face, the brood emptied their pockets and paid the man.

“Gallaghers always pay their debts,” Fiona told the man.

Paying their debts might take the Gallaghers time, however, because most of the time, they’re trying to scrounge enough money just to pay the rent and buy food. That’s never been more evident when Fiona found a purse on the El containing more than $500. So the Gallaghers used the money – to go out to dinner at a buffet-style restaurant.

The Gallaghers show blood is indeed thicker than water. Or alcohol.

Extras:
• The complicated life of Fiona Gallagher
• The Art of Acting Drunk
• Writing the Shameless version
• Shameless Actor Discussions of five episodes
• The Shameless Christmas Carol Music Video
• A Shameless look at Season 3
• Deleted scenes.

Bottom line: Be warned. This isn’t the usual family fare (then again, most sitcoms and dramas on Showtime aren’t). But Macy’s excellent portrayal of a lowlife boozehound and a solid ensemble cast make “Shameless” entertaining television.